Energy Saving Trust is pleased to submit evidence as part of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) select committee’s inquiry into electric vehicles.
Energy Saving Trust is the leading, impartial sustainable energy organisation. We work on behalf of governments and businesses across the UK providing services in the area of data, assurance, grant and loan administration, consumer engagement and advice.
On transport, Energy Saving Trust is funded by the Department of Transport (DfT) and the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) to provide a range of services to help organisations reduce their transport fuel spend and emissions. We also undertake work with a wide range of private sector organisations and have recently been working with Uber, Heathrow Airport, the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) and the Fraunhofer Institute (Europe’s largest applied research organisation), helping develop research and strategies for sustainable transport. We are the leading independent organisation supporting the uptake of ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs) amongst fleets and work across the sector to promote the acceleration of plug in vehicle sales.
In Scotland, Energy Saving Trust is a principal delivery partner of the Scottish Government for home energy. We run comprehensive local and national advice and support programmes. On behalf of Transport Scotland (an agency of Scottish Government) Energy Saving Trust administers an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) interest free loan scheme.
For BEIS Energy Saving Trust delivers the telephone-based Energy Saving Advice Service in England and Wales. We also undertake other research and awareness-raising work for the department on a project-by-project basis. Prior to the coalition government, for over 15 years, Energy Saving Trust ran national energy advice services as a grant-funded organisation.
Public engagement on energy is at the heart of our work. In total each year Energy Saving Trust handles just under half a million energy efficiency advice calls on behalf of UK and Scottish governments. Energy Saving Trust has a unique relationship with the public around energy saving and renewable energy and our response reflects that.